START QUT

High-achieving Year 11 and 12 students have an opportunity to extend their studies in their final year of high school. Access all of QUT's facilities and enjoy campus life in the same way as current university students.

You can select two units from across the university, and study one unit each semester.

This is a great opportunity to get a head start on your chosen undergraduate course, or to try out study areas you're interested in.

Once completed, you can receive advanced standing (credit) for your studies, putting you ahead of your peers and setting you up for future success.

You can study a maximum of two units (one per semester) in either the summer before commencing Year 12 (STEM Intensive), Semester 1 of Year 12, or Semester 2 of Year 11.

We are conducting a pilot program for homeschool students from summer semester 2025/2026 through to Semester 2, 2026. See requirements tab for details.

What do you receive?

If you successfully complete your units and Year 12, you'll receive:

• advanced standing (credit) for these units towards a related bachelor degree at QUT
• an adjustment of up to 2.00 selection rank adjustments, 1.00 selection rank adjustment for each START QUT unit successfully completed, added to your ATAR through our Year 12 subject scheme (ATAR or International Baccalaureate Diploma students only)
• up to four credit points towards your Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE), if applicable
• if you complete two START QUT units (0.25 year full-time study) this can be converted into a separate selection rank if you choose to apply to QUT in the future. See selection ranks for completed START QUT study.

You can study a maximum of two units (one per semester) in either the summer before commencing Year 12 (STEM Intensive), Semester 1 of Year 12, or Semester 2 of Year 11.

How much will it cost?

We will cover the cost of your tuition fees. You'll be responsible for any other incidental costs, including:

• textbooks
• printing
• devices
• internet
• transport.

Things to consider before applying

Do you have support from your parents or guardians?

You need the support of your parents or guardians to be able to submit your application, so you need to discuss with them whether the program is suitable for you.

You should talk about:

• the extra workload involved in the program
• travel time to and from your chosen campus (if applicable)
• additional costs (such as textbooks and transport)
• how you plan to handle all of your commitments.

Do you have support from your school?

A staff member from your school must approve your participation before you can submit your application form. They'll assess whether you're able to handle the workload involved in the program. Your school will also need to have approval from your parents or guardians before they can endorse your application.

Can you realistically manage your involvement with the START QUT program?

Once you've found a unit you're interested in, make sure you also think about:

• which campus the classes are held at and how you plan on getting there and back
• how many hours you'll need to dedicate to your START QUT studies. Most units have 3 hours of classes (contact hours) and 7 hours of self-directed study each week; some science, dance and engineering units have 4 or more contact hours each week.  The STEM Intensive program is a two week block of study from 9am to 5pm each day.
• the types of assessment you'll have to do, and how that might affect your workload
• whether or not you can fit START QUT into your life.

Once you've decided what unit you'd like to study, you can check its timetable to see if it suits your school and personal schedule.

You'll be able to decline your place in the program if the timetable for the unit you choose doesn't fit in with your personal schedule.

Expectations

As a START QUT student you will be expected to:

• attend your orientation session before your semester starts
• regularly check your QUT student email for correspondence from QUT staff
• engage with the START QUT Canvas page throughout the semester
• adhere to the rules and policies of QUT, as outlined in the QUT Student Code of Conduct
• attend your classes (you may be marked on attendance and participation)
• contribute to group-work assignments and presentations and complete all your assessment on time (including attending exams)
• complete your high school studies to the best of your ability, with high school remaining your priority over university work
• stay in touch with your school contact and seek advice about workload, assessment or support, if you need it.

We'll support you

Our staff are available to answer any questions you have about the program, areas of study and course content. We can guide you through the application process, and make sure you're looked after once you're enrolled at QUT.

We'll keep in touch to make sure you're aware of all important dates and requirements while you're studying here. And we'll maintain regular contact with your school to make sure you're being looked after.

You can enrol in one unit per semester, in addition to your school studies. You don't need to list your chosen unit on your application form. Instead, you'll choose your unit once you've been offered a place in the program.

You can study a maximum of two units (one per semester) in either the summer before commencing Year 12 (STEM Intensive), Semester 1 of Year 12, or Semester 2 of Year 11.

You can choose a unit from a different study area in each semester [for example, a science unit in Semester 2 (Year 11), and a business unit in Semester 1 (Year 12)]. This might be a good option if you are looking to study a double degree.

If you're hoping to receive advanced standing (credit) toward a degree for the units you complete, it's best to select those related to your chosen future study area. Your START QUT studies, including the grades you achieve, will be included as part of your official QUT record.

Internal study mode means you'll attend some on-campus classes but lectures will be recorded and you will have online learning activities as well.

Online study mode means that classes are not delivered on campus, but you may need to attend a campus for orientation, assessment or other purposes.

STEM Intensive units

For details about the units available in the intensive study period visit the START QUT (STEM Intensive) website.

Please note: to promote diversity in STEM, certain units in the intensive block have particular gender or attribute requirements as an affirmative action to enhance participation in those fields.

If you don't meet these entry requirements it is best that you don't submit an application - your priority should be achieving the best results you can in your school studies.

You must be:

• minimum age of 16 when START QUT classes commence
• either a Year 11, Semester 2 or a Year 12, Semester 1 student when you participate in the START QUT program
• a Queensland-based school senior student
• one of the following:
  • currently studying or completed a minimum of five ATAR general subjects (including General English) with suitable grades
  • on an International Baccalaureate Diploma (IBD) pathway with suitable grades
  • an extrasystemic student (e.g. ACE, NZ Steiner Certificate of Education) with a suitable SAT result.

You can study a maximum of two units (one per semester) in either:

• Semester 2 of Year 11
• the summer before commencing Year 12 (STEM Intensive)
• Semester 1 of Year 12.

STEM Intensive additional requirements

To promote diversity in STEM, certain units in the intensive block have particular gender or attribute requirements as an affirmative action to enhance participation in those fields. For details, please visit the START QUT (STEM Intensive) website.

Your grades

In the semester before you apply, you must have maintained both of the following:

• a minimum of a B (70%) in any General English subject such as English, Literature, English and Literature, or English as an additional language (or equivalent IBD subjects)
• a B (70%) average across a minimum of five ATAR general or IBD higher or standard level subjects.

Median grade is not used.

A B average is, for example:

• one A, three B and one C
• one A and four B
• two B+, one B and two B-

The following grade combinations examples are below a B average:

• three B and two C
• one A, two B and two C
• four B and one B-

Extrasystemic students must have achieved minimum SAT score of 1300.

Homeschool students

We are conducting a pilot program for homeschool students from summer semester 2025/2026 through to Semester 2, 2026. To be eligible you must:

• be minimum age of 16 when START QUT classes commence
• be registered with the Queensland Department of Education Home Education Unit
• have permission from your parent/guardian to participate.

Homeschool students who are not registered with the Queensland Department of Education Home Education Unit but reside in Queensland may still be eligible for the program if they have a suitable SAT result.

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students

Admission assistance via the QUT Oodgeroo Unit’s Centralised Assessment and Selection Program (CASP) is available. Please speak to your school’s Guidance/Career Officer, Curriculum Head, Dean of Studies, Academic Dean, Gifted Students Coordinator, Principal, Deputy Principal, or other similar position for further information.

Attendance and support

You must:

• be capable of undertaking university level study on top of your high school workload
• have the support of your parents or guardians
• have permission from your school to participate. A staff member (guidance officer, career counsellor, curriculum head, dean of studies, academic dean, gifted students coordinator, principal, deputy principal or other similar position) must approve your participation
• be able to attend classes at the designated QUT campus, either at Kelvin Grove or Gardens Point (excluding online students).

Course requirements

To remain in the START QUT program you must:

• remain enrolled in the same senior pathway as you applied under
• have ongoing support from your parents or guardians
• have ongoing permission from your school to participate.

If you change schools, you must provide a school approval proforma from your new school.

If you change senior studies, you must provide a new school approval proforma along with your current results.

To undertake a second START QUT unit you must also have passed your first unit of study.

We will revoke your enrolment in START QUT if you don't meet any of the above requirements.

Applications for Semester 2, 2026 have now closed. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students interested in applying can contact the Oodgeroo Unit at information.oodgeroo@qut.edu.au. Applications for STEM Intensive (summer before commencing Year 12) and Semester 1, 2027 will open on 1 August 2026.

You can study a maximum of two units (one per semester) in either the summer before commencing Year 12 (STEM Intensive), Semester 1 of Year 12, or Semester 2 of Year 11.

Step 1: School approval

Request that your school completes and signs the school approval proforma and provides you with a copy.

If you are not following the standard, slow or fast track pattern of ATAR study, you must also get your school to provide a covering letter detailing your study pattern.

Step 2: Apply

To apply, you must have:

• a personal email address to create your QUT account. This is the first part of the application process
• a Learning Unique Identifier (LUI)
• school results on school letterhead for the previous semester
• a cover letter from your school outlining your pattern study if you're not following the standard, slow or fast track pattern of study
• the completed and signed school approval proforma (for extrasystemic home schooling students, this must be completed by your main teacher).

Homeschool students

To apply for the pilot program, you must have:

• a personal email address to create your QUT account. This is the first part of the application process
• a Learning Unique Identifier (LUI)
• the school approval proforma completed and signed by your parent/guardian or main teacher
• evidence of registration with the Queensland Department of Education Home Education Unit.

When to apply

Apply as soon as applications open.

We won't consider late applications.

What happens next?

If your application is successful, we'll send you an email to offer you a place in the START QUT program. Once you accept your offer, you will receive information from your START QUT coordinator on how to choose your units and get started at QUT.

If your application is unsuccessful, we'll also email you to let you know.

We may also email you to request more information or supporting documents. Make sure you upload this documentation within 10 working days.

All emails we send you will be sent to the email address you provide in your application. Make sure you provide us with your personal email address and not your school email, because we might contact you over the school holidays.

You'll be able to decline your place in the program if the timetable for the unit you choose doesn’t fit in with your personal schedule.

How to request a review

If you believe the outcome of the decision to be incorrect or unjust, you can request a review of the decision by contacting qut.applications@qut.edu.au stating your reasons for how you meet the entry requirements and include any additional supporting documentation.

Review requests must be submitted within 10 working days of receiving your original outcome. We’ll email you to confirm we’ve received your request.

What happens after you request a review

If you're unhappy with how we handled your review